CELL SERVICE

1. The Digital Black Hole The Tail of the Dragon is a world-class driving destination, but it is a literal "dead zone" for digital signals. Between the steep mountain hollows and the dense forest canopy, cell towers are nonexistent on the Dragon, the Dam, or the majority of the resort.

2. The "Ghost Protocol" Because you can’t simply "drop a pin" or call for help if you have a mechanical issue, your responsibility to the group—and yourself—increases.

• Offline Maps: Download your Routesfor offline use before you leave The Resort. Relying on live GPS is a move that will leave you lost in the woods with nothing but a spinning loading icon.

3. RADIO COMMUNICATION: Walkie talkies/ FRS/GMRS radios bridge the communication void.

• RETEVIS RADIO (NO LICENSE NEEDED)

  • BUY HERE

• GMRS/FRS: (Advanced Users)

  • FREQUENCY = 462.725

  • TX= 136.5 RX=136.5

WIFI

1. Staying Connected While the mountain is dark, there are "islands" of connectivity if you know where to look.

• Fontana Village: The Lodge has surprisingly decent Wi-Fi that covers most of the resort.

  • Pro Tip: Turn on "Wi-Fi Calling/Assist" in your phone settings as soon as you arrive. This allows you to text and call over the resort’s internet even when your bars are at zero.

• Killboy Store:This is the unofficial headquarters for digital updates. They offer Wi-Fi to customers—it’s the perfect spot to stop, grab some swag, and upload your latest Dragon Photosto social media before heading out for another lap.

• Check Your Gear: Searching for a signal in the mountains will drain a battery faster than a launch control start. Keep a physical charging cable in the car and your phone plugged in.

WALKIE TALKIES:

• NO LICENSE REQUIRED

• RETEVIS- USE CHANNEL 7

• [BUY ONE HERE]

FRS/GMRS RADIOS: [ADVANCED USERS]

• FREQUENCY: 462.725

• TX=136.5 RX=136.5

REGISTER BY CLICKING [HERE]

EVENT TAKES PLACE 10/8/26-10/12/26

FONTANA RESORT VILLAGE

GTRVSDRAGON OFFICIAL SCENE EVENTS AND ROUTES. [refer to ITINERARY 🐉]← click

ROAD & RALLY’S -[ADVENTURE PATH 🐉] ← click

SAFETY FIRST

1. Respect the Dragon: Understanding the Road The Tail of the Dragon (US-129) is one of the world's most technical driving roads, featuring 318 curves in just 11 miles. While it offers an unparalleled driving experience, it is unforgiving. There are no intersections or driveways to worry about, but the tight radiuses, steep drop-offs, and unpredictable mountain weather require your absolute focus and respect for the "beast."

2. Driver Responsibility: Stay in Your Lane The golden rule of the Dragon is simple: Do not cross the double yellow line. Crossing the line puts your life and the lives of oncoming riders and drivers at risk.

• Night Run Protocol: Please travel in PAIRS, at the very least.

• Drive Within Your Limits: This is a public road, not a closed circuit. Drive at a pace where you are in total control.

• Use Pull-Offs: If you have faster traffic behind you, use the designated pull-offs to let them pass. It reduces pressure on you and keeps the flow of the event smooth.

• Stay Alert: Watch for motorcycles, heavy trucks that may accidentally "low-side" into your lane, and local wildlife.

3. Vehicle Safety: Pre-Flight Check Your GTR or performance vehicle will be under immense stress due to constant braking and lateral G-forces. Before heading out, ensure your car is "Dragon-ready":

• Brakes: Ensure you have plenty of pad life and high-temp brake fluid. Brake fade on a mountain descent is extremely dangerous.

• Tires: Check your tread depth and adjust your tire pressures for mountain driving.

• Fluids & Leaks: Double-check for oil or coolant leaks. A small leak for you can create a literal slide-and-slide for the motorcycles following behind you.

• Loose Items: Secure everything inside the cabin. A loose water bottle or camera mount can quickly become a projectile or get wedged under your pedals during tight cornering.

• Advanced Caution- HPDE TECH INSPECTION FORM [DOWNLOAD HERE]

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

1. The Reality of the Dragon: A Remote Challenge

The Tail of the Dragon is as isolated as it is iconic. While its 318 curves offer an incredible drive, the geography makes emergency response difficult. Because of the rugged mountain terrain, help is not "just around the corner." If an incident occurs, the sheer distance from urban centers means medical intervention is delayed by the very landscape that makes the road famous.

2. Drive Responsibility: The Burden of Care

Because you are driving in a remote area, your primary responsibility is prevention through discipline. * The Long Wait: In the event of a wreck, expect to wait an hour or more for an ambulance to reach your location.

• Transport Times: From the scene, it is often another hour-long journey to the nearest trauma centers.

• The Last Resort: In critical scenarios, a Medevac helicopter may be required—a life-saving but extremely costly service. Driving responsibly is your best insurance against these outcomes.

3. Vehicle & Personal Safety: Emergency Contacts

Safety isn't just about how you drive, but how you prepare for the unexpected. Keep these locations and numbers saved in your phone or printed in your glovebox, as cell service can be spotty.

Appalachian Mountain Health - Robbinsville‍ ‍

409 Tallulah Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771

(828) 479-6434

Blount Memorial Hospital

907 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37804

(865) 983-7211

University of Tennessee Medical Center

1924 Alcoa Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920

(865) 305-9000

• Minor Illness: For non-emergencies, the clinic in Robbinsville is your closest point of care.

• Safety First: We strongly urge all participants to review our Safety Suggestions to ensure your Dragon experience remains a highlight, not a hazard.

ROAD & RALLY EXPLORE

[CLICK HERE]

1. Respect the Dragon: It’s a Fishbowl The Tail of the Dragon is a world-famous stretch of pavement, and the local authorities know it. You are driving through a high-visibility zone monitored by the NC Highway Patrol, Graham County Sheriff’s Department, and Swain County Sheriff’s Department. On the Tennessee side, the Blount County Sheriff’s Department is legendary for their "proactive" presence. If you’re exploring our other routes, keep an eye out for the TN Highway Patrol as well. They aren't there to ruin the fun; they're there because people keep trying to "low-side" into oncoming traffic.

2. Drive Responsibility: How to Handle the Blue Lights If you see the disco lights in your rearview mirror, your goal is to be the most boring, compliant driver they’ve seen all day.

• Pull Over Safely: Don't just slam on the brakes in a blind curve. Use a turn-out or a straightaway where the officer can safely walk up to your window without getting clipped by a stray motorcycle.

• Hands on the Wheel: Keep your hands visible (10 and 2) until the officer asks for your documents.

• The "I'm with the Group" Defense: While we are all part of the GTRvsDRAGON, remember that being in a group doesn't give you a "get out of jail free" card. Being polite and respectful goes a long way in the mountains.

3. Vehicle Safety: Don’t Give Them a Reason Sometimes it’s not the speed that gets you; it’s the small stuff.

• The Double Yellow: As mentioned in our Safety First guide, crossing the double yellow is the fastest way to get a ticket—and the fastest way to have a very bad day. Keep it between the lines and keep the heat off the group.

The "Big Three" Dragon Photographers

• Killboy

  The original "GOAT" of Dragon photography. They usually have multiple photographers stationed at the best pull-offs. Photos are typically uploaded within 24 hours.

• 129 Slayer

  Another staple on the mountain. They provide high-quality shots and often capture unique angles that differ from the other groups.

• US129 Photos (Xtreme Sports Photography)

  They cover the Dragon extensively and often set up on the Cherohala Skyway as well. Their site is organized by date and time, making it easy to find your specific "run.

FREELANCE MEDIA AVAILABLE. ←Click for options

BOTTOM OF DAM [TBD]

EVENT HALL [TBD]

*Check Itinerary & Road Rally Routes

Always looking for folks !

CONTACT US HERE

WHERE IS THE FUEL?

[PRO TIP FUEL THE NIGHT BEFORE]

1. Closest to Fontana Village

• Dam Garage Gas Station: * Address: 428 Fontana Rd, Fontana Dam, NC 28733

  • Note: This is the most convenient spot for resort guests, but check their hours as they typically close at 7:00 PM.

2. Robbinsville, NC (The Mid-Point Staging Area)

Robbinsville is the primary hub for fuel before or after a run. Most of these are open 24 hours.

• Shell: 374 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville, NC 28771

• bp: 140 Laura St, Robbinsville, NC 28771

• Mountain Energy: 374 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville, NC 28771

• Exxon: 1037 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771

• Eller's Citgo: 206 N Main St, Robbinsville, NC 28771 (Closes earlier, around 6:00 PM).

3. Tellico Plains, TN (The Cherohala Skyway Exit)

If you've just finished the Cherohala Skyway and are heading toward Tellico Plains, these stations will be your first sight of civilization.

• Shell: 104 Rafter Rd, Tellico Plains, TN 37385 (Super Small Station)

• bp: 141 Bank St, Tellico Plains, TN 37385

• Exxon: 450 Cherohala Skyway, Tellico Plains, TN 37385

E85

1. Robbinsville, NC

• The HQ: 8185 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771

2. Knoxville & Maryville, TN

• Pilot Food Mart #105: 205 Walker Springs Road, Knoxville, TN 37922

• Pilot Food Mart #104: 9550 Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922

3. Murphy, NC (The Southern Backup)

• Shell / Murphy USA: 650 W US Highway 64, Murphy, NC 28906

  • Note: About 45 minutes south of Robbinsville, this is a common stop for drivers trailering in from Georgia or South Carolina to top off their jugs.

Grocery Stores

Because the village is tucked away, you have one convenient stop on-site for essentials and one larger supermarket about 20-25 minutes away.

• Fontana Village General Store: Located right at the resort entrance on HWY 28. It is a "one-stop shop" for grocery essentials, snacks, ice, and campfire necessities like s’mores kits and firewood.

• Ingles Market: This is the closest full-service supermarket, located in Robbinsville, NC (approx. 20 miles away). It offers a full deli, bakery, and a much wider selection of fresh produce and meat.

Dining Options at the Village

Most prepared food options are located within the Fontana Village Resort itself, ranging from quick snacks to sit-down meals.

• Hazel's Restaurant and Lounge: This is the primary sit-down spot for breakfast and dinner. It’s known for its mountain views and signature dishes like Smoked Trout & Tomato Grits and House-Made Pastrami.

• Quill's Canteen: A more casual, high-volume spot offering grab-and-go lunch items, pizzas, and snacks. It is generally open daily, making it a reliable choice for a quick bite between activities.

• Wildwood Grill: Located in the Village Center, this spot typically offers casual fare like burgers and sandwiches, often accompanied by live music and outdoor seating.

• The Ice Cream Parlor: Perfect for a quick treat, located right across from the General Store.

Quick Stops

• Dam Garage: Situated near the entrance, this is your primary spot for fuel, but also stocks a small selection of refreshments and travel snacks.

DO NOT BRING GLASS TO THE FIREPIT

REFER TO MAP:

STONEHENDGE FIRE PIT

Car Wash STATION:

• Behind the PUTT PUTT Shack

• BYO Detailing Supplies

Car Wash Options in Robbinsville

• Pinks panthers hand wash & detail: A highly-rated spot for hand washing and professional detailing.

  • Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed Sundays).

• bp Gas Station: This station has a car wash on-site and is open 24 hours, making it a good choice for a quick rinse at any time.

• Angelo’s Auto Shine: Another local detailing option, though they have more limited evening hours.

  • Hours: Monday–Saturday, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Closed Sundays).

What does "Know Ball" mean for the Dragon:

• Crossing the double yellow? Don't know ball.

• Using the pull-offs for faster traffic? Knows ball.

• Checking tire pressures every morning? Knows ball.

• Thinking the Dragon is a drag strip? Definitely doesn't know ball.